How Will Warriors Fill the Center Spot Without Porziņģis?
Warriors general manager has confirmed Kristaps Porziņģis' return timeline remains unknown due to health issues, forcing coach Steve Kerr to find solutions at center. The team is shifting toward a 'five-out' offense, with Draymond Green likely taking the starting role.
Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy confirmed that Kristaps Porziņģis is dealing with health issues and his approximate return date is currently unknown. While the Latvian forward will not join the team's training camp in Hawaii, Dunleavy did not rule out him being available for the season opener. Still, based on recent seasons' experience, the team must prepare for the possibility of Porziņģis missing time throughout the season.
A new style of play
Last season the Warriors' offensive rating ranked just 19th in the league. Head coach Steve Kerr plans to introduce a so-called 'five-out' offense, in which every player on the floor is capable of attacking from the three-point line. Last season's most-used five-man lineup included several below-average shooters, and to start this season only Stephen Curry and Draymond Green from that group will be available.
Possible candidates
Center candidates include 40-year-old Al Horford, whose minutes and production declined last season, and whose on-court pairing with Green produced poor team numbers. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, despite having the size to play center, is preferred by Kerr as a forward. Charles Bassey and Graham Ike must still make it through training camp cuts.
The most logical solution for the starting center spot appears to be Draymond Green, whom Kerr wants to see shoot more three-pointers. Although Green posted a high turnover rate last season, he still offers versatile production. The open question is whether, at age 36, he can consistently hold his own defensively against the league's top centers.
